RK Bhubonsana bags Manipur State Award for Literature 2018-19

Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly Khemchand Singh presented the Manipur State Award for Literature 2018-19 to the renowned author Rajkumar Bhubonsana. The prestigious Award was presented during an observation ceremony of Manipuri Language Day organised by Directorate of Language Planning & Implementation, Government of Manipur held yesterday at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal.Manipuri Language along with Konkani and Nepali were included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution with the Constitution (Seventy-first Amendment) Act, 1992.Delivering his speech as Chief Guest, Y. Khemchand recalled the contributions and work of early litterateurs of Manipuri Literature to the inclusion Manipur Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution on 20th August, 1992. Presentation of such Award in recognition of writer’s contribution to Manipuri Literature is important to preserve and promote the age-old literary work of the state, he added.It may be mentioned that the Manipuri State Award for Literature was instituted by the Government of Manipur in 2008 to honour Manipuri writers and recognise their contributions to Manipuri Literature. The Award is given every year to the author of the most outstanding book, first published during the last five years. The Award includes a plaque, a citation, cash component of Rs. 3 lakh and a shawl. Rajkumar Bhubonsana has been chosen for the Award in recognition for his poetry compendium titled “Kellaba Unasing” (Fallen Leaves) published on 2014.During the function, Y. Khemchand also launched some online books including Manipuri Version of important National Schemes, All Meetei Mayek Textbooks & Reference Books for BA Students (Semester I- IV) under MU and DMU and Online Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Manipuri English.Commissioner, Education(S), Government of Manipur T. Ranjit Singh attended the function as Guest of Honour. Many renowned writers and authors of Manipuri Literature were also seen at the function.

William Gurumayum, Sub-Editor of Imphal Times is a resident of Sagolband Salam Leikai. He has been with Imphal Times since 2013. An avid adventure lover, writes mostly travelogue. He can be contacted at [email protected]